On the extender: Espada yes, Diaz, no

The state Senate is in session, although there’s no immediate timetable for voting on the governor’s budget extender, which must be approved by midnight to avoid a state government shut-down.

But the two Bronx Democrats who were holding back their approvals last week, have since diverged.

Pedro Espada, who had initially said he’d vote no, is now more conciliatory, saying he’s satisfied that lawmakers have been brought into the process. He also believes a final 2010-11 budget will pass within 7-10 days. “We are close,” he said, even though that statement is at odds with Gov. Paterson’s more pessimistic view, which he expanded on during a press briefing last night.

On the other hand, Ruben Diaz Sr., pictured here, said he plans to keep on voting “no” as long as there are cuts in the budget extenders and the final budget.

“I’m not here to negotiate. I’m here to protect the constituents who send me here,” he said.